Bringing together Skyscanner's forward-looking search and booking data and a survey of 4 000 travellers, the metasearch engine and travel agency’s new report reveals 2022's biggest trends as travel continues to bounce back – in some cases bigger than pre-COVID levels.

As confidence accelerates, people are becoming more comfortable booking trips and, although conditions aren't the same as before COVID, Skyscanner reports that “overall, while shorter booking horizons remain popular, travel demand is strong and summer is likely to be a positive one for airlines”. 

Travellers are planning to spend more this year – their budgets are higher, they are booking longer trips, and they tend to choose more expensive accommodation.

“Half of travellers will spend more in 2022 than in 2019. Of those with bigger budgets, 48% are putting their cash towards longer trips,” Skyscanner’s study points out.

This year, travellers mostly want to unwind on relaxing getaways and travel internationally to ‘bucket list’ destinations, according to the report.

“Ultimate relaxation is the most popular trip type, with over 40% of travellers dreaming of a getaway to ease their mind, body and soul,” Skyscanner’s findings show.

Read the full report here, which includes insight into travellers’ budgets and spending habits, the evolution of booking trips and short- and long-haul flights, and worldwide travel trends.